DELIA Invests in Women-Owned Food Companies
Food, Function and Finance
In our last article, we looked at how DELIA ventures are leading the way in developing next gen health and wellness applications. Today we turn to the world of food and an impressive wave of women-owned companies in Canada’s food and beverage sector backed by Nventure:
In Alberta, Seven Summits Snacks is a leader in healthy chocolates and gels designed for “performance and indulgence” by mountaineering co-founders Leanna and Kristyn Carriere.
Out of British Columbia, Vegain’s novel clean protein supplements are taking the world by storm, driven by Founder and marketer Melissa L'Heureux-Haché.
Dacotah Malt is Manitoba’s first and only craft malthouse, established by fifth generation farmer, Pam Bailey, and her partner, Rauri Qually.
Closer to home, right here in Ontario, DELIA supports companies like Lazy Daisy’s delicious frozen baked goods (led by Dawn Chapman), premium vegan ice cream by Oat & Mill (the creation of Candace Tierney), Beck’s Broth (have you checked out the new Protein Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate by co-founders Beckie Prime and Domenique Mastronardi?) and Eatable (co-founded by Charlene Li) with their line of “elevated gourmet popcorn for curious palates.” While award-winning food entrepreneur and holistic nutritionist Julia Kirouac of Nud Fud is launching a new snack line for toddlers called Wild Ones.
And the list goes on!
We encourage everyone to place an order and taste the difference.
“It’s just extraordinary to see such creativity from DELIA food entrepreneurs,” said Wendy Curtis, Nventure’s CEO. “They are breaking new ground and operating on many levels: nutrition, performance, sustainability, clean ingredients, healthy lifestyles, culture-building, marketing innovation and more.”
Another exciting trend Nventure is noticing is the sourcing of Canadian ingredients–whether processed, manufactured or just plain farm-to-table. “When Canadian companies use local and domestic suppliers, it strengthens value chains,” Curtis explains. “So building up food production capacity and diversity is a fantastic economic opportunity not just at home but for export markets, too.”
“It’s a pleasure to work with such wonderful entrepreneurs,” said Kim Botrie, Nventure’s finance lead. “They have passion, conviction and drive and show true leadership. And when we have Canadian leaders making bold moves we need to ensure they have the backing and the risk capital they need. It’s so important, especially at this moment. That’s where the DELIA Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund comes in.”
“For independent food entrepreneurs, we know how difficult and challenging it is to bring a new concept to market,” Botrie added. “And we’re excited to be on the journey with you.”
To discover how DELIA can be a part of your food company (or any kind of women-owned venture), click here to learn more and apply today. DELIA is made possible with the support of ISED Canada and the DELIA Access To Innovation Capital Initiative for Accelerators is delivered in collaboration with Bioenterprise Canada and Boundless Accelerator.
